THOUGHTFUL THINGS
Welcoming the Prodigal with Love
“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” — Luke 15: 20 (KJV) The parable of the prodigal son is one of the most beautiful pictures of God’s grace and love. It tells the story of a wayward son who squandered his inheritance in reckless living but ultimately found his way back home. While he expected rejection, he instead found open arms, a warm embrace, and full restoration. This parable is not just about one lost son— it’s about all of us. It’s about the way God welcomes sinners, and it’s a call to love those who return, no matter how far they have strayed.
There are many prodigals in our lives— family members, friends, church members— who have walked away from the faith or made choices that led them down difficult paths. Some have abandoned their upbringing, while others have rejected their identity in Christ for a season. When they come back, will they find judgment or love? Will they find condemnation or celebration?
The father in the parable had every right to be angry. His son had dishonored him, wasted his inheritance, and lived in rebellion. But instead of dwelling on the past, he rejoiced in his son’s return. His love was greater than his disappointment. He didn’t make his son grovel or prove his sincerity— he simply embraced him. The Father’s love is a reflection of God’s heart toward us. No matter how far we have gone, He is always waiting, ready to restore us.
As believers, we are called to love like the Father. We are called to rejoice when a prodigal returns, not hold their past against them. Too often, returning prodigals feel ashamed, fearing rejection or skepticism from those they once knew. They need to know that they are still welcome in the family of God. Galatians 6: 1 ( KJV) reminds us, “ Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”
Loving a prodigal doesn’t mean ignoring sin, but it does mean extending grace. It means walking with them in their restoration, encouraging them, and reminding them of their identity in Christ. Just as God welcomes us back when we fall, we must extend that same grace to others. May we always have open arms, ready to receive those who come home. “For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.” — Luke 15: 24 ( KJV)
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